第１６掘：俺が目指すダンジョン運営の説明と交渉 (Part1)
Dungeon 16: Explaining and Negotiating the Dungeon Management I Aim For
Explaining and Negotiating the Dungeon Management I Aim For
Side: Kazuya Torino (Alias: Yuki)
After the King finished his outburst, Yuki continued speaking.
"There's no proof. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Don't worry, I'm not helping out of goodwill."
Goodwill was an afterthought from the start. Yuki apologized, but he would use them to survive in the future.
"…You speak plainly. However, I cannot believe it if you say there's no ulterior motive and it's goodwill. Rather, I find that likable in this situation. Nuhahaha…!!"
Selva laughed it off. The King's own character, from what Yuki had just heard, wasn't bad at all, but perhaps it was the times.
"Father, for now, why don't we hear the Dungeon Master's demands?"
"Indeed, Dungeon Master, what do you desire to lend us your aid? And what advantage do we gain?"
Well, it was almost a checkmate here. Even if they refused and raised an subjugation army, that would be profitable in its own way.
"It's simple. Under your orders… no, I'll handle that part myself. I plan to establish a village or town within this dungeon. So, I want you to spread the word to your citizens that this dungeon is harmless."
"A village within the dungeon? A town? Why would such a thing be necessary?"
"I'll have to explain from there. It's going to be a bit long, Elju, Oriel, and Seraria, it might be troublesome, but please listen again. What I'm about to say is almost exactly what I hope for."
"Yuki, what do you mean? Were you still hiding something from us?"
"Of course. Who reveals all their cards from the start?"
Yuki paused. Everyone present focused their gaze on him.
"Alright, shall I begin the explanation? Let's proceed with a Q&A format, because if we wait until the end for questions, you might forget them since it's long."
"Understood."
"I understand."
"Understood."
The three women on Yuki's side agreed.
"We don't mind either."
"I also have no problem with it."
"…Understood."
"The three of us are in agreement."
The other side was also okay with it. So, Yuki would begin.
"First, I want to ask you. Why do you think dungeons exist?"
"Hmm? Don't they occur naturally?"
"Father, that's not it. I believe he wants to ask the fundamental question of *why* they occur naturally."
"Then, this is my own interpretation, but from past literature, dungeons are formed in a way that entices people and beasts. If it were just a cave, reports of things that normally shouldn't exist, like treasure chests, wouldn't be commonplace in dungeons. Therefore, dungeons must have some reason to entice people and beasts… that is, something from the outside. For example, food for survival."
Oh, this Saintess, Rurua, seemed genuinely intelligent. Was that why she was ostracized?
"You're mostly correct, at least regarding this dungeon. Please listen, keeping in mind that not all others are necessarily the same…"
Yuki then explained the concept of DP and how it could be obtained.
"I see. As the Dungeon Master, you believe it's more efficient in the long run to have people live within the dungeon and earn DP that way, rather than constantly earning it through conflict."
"I don't think it's any different for you. If you occupied your own country, or say, an enemy country, would you tax the populace there so heavily that they starve to death?"
"No, we wouldn't. However, what explanation do you have for other dungeons? Many Dungeon Masters recorded in literature are passed down as calamities."
"You know what I'm getting at, don't you? Well, fine. Is your country a gathering of noble people who are never blinded by money or power?"
"No… the current situation is proof of that."
The King shook his head, a self-deprecating expression on his face.
"…Wait a minute. Isn't the current situation bad?"
"What do you mean, Elder Sister?"
"I see, Elju. How are dungeons generally perceived by the world these days?"
"They are entrances to death that must be immediately subjugated. However, among the many dungeons, some are used for training. Compared to those, the dungeon Yuki is creating is… ah."
"Yes, that's the problem. I don't know the results of your battles before coming to this dungeon, but…"
"Just now, you completely defeated Roschur's Royal Guard without a single scratch…"
Seraria held her head in her hands.
"W-what?! Although their numbers weren't that great, they were the elite of our army!"
"Gah!?"
The King and Rurua were utterly astonished. In contrast, Princess Aria was actually smiling. Yuki felt uncomfortable around her.
"So, Yuki, what are you going to do about that? By all accounts, this dungeon's reputation is now on the level of those in legends. As the worst dungeon imaginable."
"That's not a problem. Even though it was a complete victory, the enemy's casualties weren't that high. Over 1500 people are still unharmed. If these survivors return safely, there shouldn't be an issue, right?"
"Yuki, that's not right. The mere fact that the Royal Guard was sent back, unable to do anything, will already affect this dungeon's reputation."
"If you try to push forward and establish a village or town there, the backlash from the citizens and vassals will be immense. We won't be able to provide any support."
Heh heh heh, it was pretty much as planned.
"Well, if you only consider the dungeon's reputation, that's how it would be. However, what do you think would happen if word got out, both inside and outside the country, that the Royal Guard was defeated here?"
"…Considering the machinations of the Holy Kingdom of Litea, they would likely see it as a good opportunity to conspire with the Kingdom of Gartz and attack Roschur. They'd use the matter of Elju, claiming she's a fake saintess who disturbed the world's order."
"Oh, I thought so. So, what do you think the solution is?"
"Either succeed in this dungeon subjugation, or impose a gag order regarding the defeat."
"Which do you prefer?"
"Which one? Do you have a plan?"
"Yes, we just need to make it seem like Elju was killed. That way, everything will be resolved, both externally and internally."
"Eh?! I'm going to be killed?!"
"Calm down, Elju. He said 'make it seem like.' It's a disguise. Don't worry, I will absolutely protect you, Elju!!"
Oh, if Yuki didn't say it that way, his ears would probably go deaf, so he stopped beating around the bush.
"I see. Elju being alive is an obstacle for the Holy Kingdom of Litea. If she's alive, they must know that the Elju in the dungeon is the real one. They will surely aim for her assassination. Moreover, this incident must have leaked to them. It could become a perfect reason for the Holy Kingdom of Litea to attack."
"That's right. It's fine if the dungeon's reputation can't be improved. I can just create a dungeon and establish a village or town there anyway."
"Ah, come to think of it, you can create one as long as you have a Dungeon Core… Yuki, you really didn't care either way, did you?"
"I told you, it was an experiment. I was able to handle the army properly. Whether I create a new one or improve this one, I can strengthen it further. I need to create an environment where the people living in the dungeon can live safely."
"Even stronger than that… how terrifying. Even in its current state."